Row as Orange Democratic Movement moves to vet candidates for 2017

Homabay Town MP Opondo Kaluma address the media at Parliament buildings to react on the present debate on corruption stating that the Government is not serious with the fight and only wants to replace those stepping down with new loyalist as a scheme to divert attention of Kenyans 01/04/15 [PHOTO Moses Omusula/Standard]

A fresh row has erupted in Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party over claims some of its MPs are undermining the party's cause.

In what looks like revival of the debate about the so called "moles" in the party, ODM Political Affairs Director Opiyo Wandayi said the party is keenly watching its MPs who are promoting the Jubilee government's agenda. In the past, elected leaders not supporting party position have been branded rebels in heated debates.

For example, leaders who opposed Moses Kajwang's candidature for Homa Bay senatorial seat were tagged rebels. According to Wandayi, the party will work out a plan to vet candidates in next polls to ensure only dependable ones and those who will contribute in house debates in favour of the party sail through.

His remarks split ODM MPs with supporters pointing out that some MPs skip Parliament during crucial debates but critics dismissed his utterances as personal and not party position.

The MP, who was speaking in Siradumb village on Saturday in his Ugunja constituency, said ODM is disappointed by some MPs who hardly make substantial contributions in House, saying that this has really cost the party in terms of quality.

"ODM has arrived at the decision of vetting contestants one year earlier, and this means that 2017 parliamentary candidates will be awarded certificates based on their intellectual record and ability to debate issues," said Wandayi.

This he said was aimed at ensuring that the party has loyal members who will stand by it in all aspects of legislation.

"ODM has made a decision. Instead of 100 or 200 members we better have 50 who are committed to the ideals of the party. If we are steadfast we will be able to defeat some of the bad laws passed in Parliament," he added.

The announcement sounds the death knell for MPs who have not been active on the floor of the House. However, some legislators were quick to dismiss the suggestion. Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo said it is not possible to use debates as a yardstick to gauge an MP's worth in the House.

"People do not have same abilities. Obviously there are people who do better than others on the floor of the House but the role of an MP is diverse and it may be limiting to restrict judgment to one criterion. I want to believe that most of us are trying their best in their own ways," Gumbo said.

Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma termed Wandayi's statement as an individual view and not the party position. Mr Kaluma said MPs serve in various committees where their contributions are enormous and that debates in the House only form 10 per cent of an MP's legislative and oversight duties.

"Ninety per cent of work is in the committees and our colleagues are well spread in those committees. What we want the leadership of ODM to do is to come up with party programmes around which they want MPs to work," said Kaluma.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Sylvance Osele said MPs are drawn from diverse backgrounds and and professions, hence their contributions must also vary.

"You don't expect MPs to perform the same and that's why they are given different roles within the party depending on their talents and professions. We are now much focused on how to strengthen the party and support our party leader, not losing focus on Okoa Kenya initiative, hence any announcements by leaders should be geared towards uniting ODM members," said Osele.

But Homa Bay Woman representative Gladys Wanga concurred with Wandayi saying truancy among some members is becoming a concern. "Some MPs are often absent during critical debates. I agree that we must vet thoroughly in future to ensure that we have an impact in the House," Wanga said.

But despite the Opposition by some leaders, Wandayi claimed that a number of MPs are not championing the party's interests.